Top Tips for Clean Windows and Insect Screens
Streamline your window cleaning process with these helpful hints.
“I don’t do windows.”
That famous phrase originated in a 60's ad campaign, and the saying stuck for decades in reference to thankless jobs nobody wants to do.
The truth is… cleaning your insect screens and windows doesn’t HAVE to be a “chore.” You don’t need to do battle with cumbersome equipment or try figuring out which of the 500 bottles of chemical products you may have under your sink is the right one for the job.
We’ve all been there. You gear up to clean the windows–you think, this will be No Big Deal, right? Just grab some glass cleaner and a paper towel, take a few swipes, and voila! perfect, streak-free, fenestration... And then, inevitably, what you end up with is streaky, smudged glass right at your eye level that you notice whenever you walk by. Which would, of course, TOTALLY ruin that feeling of satisfaction (not to mention the view).
Let us help with some straightforward, simple tips that can help you get the job done right—it’s easier than you might think!
How to clean insect screens
I screen, you screen...we ALL love clean insect screens! (We also all love a catchy jingle and a bad pun.)
But it’s true—even if your windows are spotless, if your insect screens are grimy, it’s all for naught. The best way to tackle a dusty/dirty screen depends on the type. Read on for tips for cleaning both standard aluminum screens, as well as Andersen-exclusive TruScene® insect screens.
Cleaning standard aluminum insect screens
If you have standard aluminum insect screens, follow these steps for a basic clean:
Follow these steps for a deeper scrub, extra shine, and a super clean view through your aluminum insect screens:
Cleaning TruScene® Insect Screens
If you have TruScene® insect screens the process is slightly different.
TruScene® screens are made from a micro-fine stainless steel wire mesh with a tighter weave than standard aluminum insect screens. They offer over 50% more clarity than our standard aluminum insect screens to let more fresh air and sunlight in while keeping the insects out.
That’s it—you’re done!
Watch how to clean your window insect screens
Check out our animated infographic for more information on how to clean all types of insect screens.
Don’t forget to clean the insect screens for your Andersen® patio doors.
The insect screens for your Andersen® patio doors should be checked once a year for operation and condition, and then cleaned as well—you’ve got all the tips to clean them, just as you would for windows.
Bonus content: If you've stored them over the winter, and you’re now wondering how to reinstall them after cleaning…we’ll show you how to reinstall them in the video below.
How often should you clean your insect screens?
It’s a good practice to clean your insect screens twice a year. Why not make it even easier on yourself and clean them at the same time you are cleaning your windows in the spring and the fall.
Cleaning in the spring can help wash away dirt and road salt from winter, and cleaning in the fall can help remove the dust, dirt, and pollen that might have collected over the summer months. Another reason we recommend cleaning in the fall is so you are putting your insect screens away clean (storing your screens in the winter helps protect them from ice and damage and can extend their life).
How to clean your windows
Now we’re into the meat and potatoes of the fenestrational cleaning gig. But contrary to what you might think, you don’t need fancy supplies to get a flawless clean—in fact, it’s pretty simple, and most people have what they need around the house. (And depending on the style and brand of your windows—you might not even need a ladder. Check out our Acclaim® double-hung and casement windows, for example. Easy-peasy cleaning from INSIDE your home.)
What should I use to clean my windows with?
Let’s gather our supplies first. Some people use paper towels or newspaper. Paper towels can leave behind lint and particles, plus create a lot of extra waste going into landfills. Newspaper is recyclable, but can get very messy and is not very durable.
Squeegees do not create extra trash, keep your hands clean, and don’t leave lint behind, so are a good choice—they are, however, a bit fussy (and you may not want to purchase one just for this if you don’t already have one). If you are using a squeegee, “pre-clean” as much of the grime as possible to make it easier to slide the tool down. Also, be sure to put towels down below (because the water will go straight down when you squeegee it away). And remember, depending on the shape and size of your window, you will generally run into the dreaded “edge marks”. Getting rid of them is not impossible, but can be tedious and is an extra step. Which is why our first choice for cleaning tool is…
A microfiber cloth. Our resident cleaning and home improvement brand ambassador, Laurie March, swears by a 70-30 (70% polyester; 30% polymide) blend for most of her household chores—but as long as it’s clean and dry and absorbent (don’t wash with fabric softener—it will ruin the wicking ability), most brands will work.
No microfiber cloth? A clean, non-shedding, t-shirt also works well!
For cleaning solution, mild soapy water, a white vinegar-and-water solution, or a liquid cleaner formulated for windows all work. Do NOT use solvents or abrasive cleansers. (Also do not use razor blades to try and remove stuck on debris.)
When to clean your windows?
Seasonally speaking, twice a year works well for many people. In the spring to get rid of all of winter’s accumulated grit and grime, and then again in the fall headed into winter, which is usually when people are removing insect screens and storing them for the winter.
As far as the best time of day to clean, cloudy days are your friend. If it’s too sunny, the heat can make the glass dry too quickly and cause smears. This is why we also recommend cleaning early in the day, when possible.
Step-by-step guide to cleaning your windows
Ready to brighten your view? Follow these steps to clean your glass surfaces:
